Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

INTELLECTUAL DIMENSION | 119

PHILOSOPHY

278. All seminarians in the discipleship stage study philosophy. Men who come to the discipleship stage in possession of a broader intellec tual formation must engage in the full philosophical intellectual forma tion program outlined below. The study of philosophy is central to the intellectual formation of seminarians. The temptation to abbreviate or circumvent requirements for seminarians in these circumstances must be avoided. “The study of philosophy is fundamental and indispensable to the structure of theological studies and to the formation of candidates for the priesthood [or seminarians]. It is not by chance that the curriculum of theological studies is preceded by a time of special study of philosophy.” 343 In priestly formation, at least two full years must be dedicated to the philo sophical disciplines, which corresponds to the two-year period of the disci pleship stage and composes a major aspect of intellectual formation. 344 The particular focus of intellectual formation, as well as the other dimen sions of formation during this period, is to help the seminarian deepen his identity as a disciple of Jesus Christ. There is an “intimate bond which ties theological work to the philosophical search for truth.” 345 It is essential that seminarians develop an understanding of the relationship between faith and reason and of the relationship and interaction between philosophy and theology, espe cially the ways they mutually enrich one another. “A proper philosophical training is vital, not only because of the links between the great philo sophical questions and the mysteries of salvation which are studied in theology under the guidance of the higher light of faith, but also vis-à-vis an extremely widespread cultural situation which emphasizes subjectivism as a criterion and measure of truth: Only a sound philosophy can help candidates for the priesthood to develop a reflective awareness of the fundamental relationship that exists between the human spirit and truth, that truth which is revealed to us fully in Jesus Christ.” 346 279. 280.

343 Fides et Ratio , no. 62. 344 See CIC, c. 250; CCEO, c. 348 §1. 345 Fides et Ratio , no. 63. 346 Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 52.